Sure, he was happy to ride 36-1 long-shot Birdstone to the win Saturday. But Smarty Jones had become America's horse, a fan favorite in a sport longing to end a 26-year stretch without a Triple Crown winner.

One of Prado's first reactions? An apology to Smarty Jones' trainer, John Servis, and the rest of his team.

"I'm very sorry for Mr. Servis and all the connections for Smarty Jones, but I had to do my job," Prado said. "This is part of the business, and I'm very sorry it had to be me."